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Together in Christ

Collaborative

Saint Ann & Saint John

June 28, 2020

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint John the Evangelist

210 Central St., East Bridgewater 02333 Office –103 N. Main Street, West Bridge-

water 508-378-4207

E-MAIL: stjohnebridge@comcast.net Website: www.stjohneb.org

Facebook: St. John the Evangelist-EB Fr. Paul’s Facebook Page —Paul Ring

Church of Saint Ann

103 N. Main St., West Bridgewater 02379 508-586-4880

E-Mail: stanns@comcast.net Website: stannswb.com Facebook: St. Ann-WB

Collaborative Office Hours are 9-4 M-Th For both Churches

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SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on the

2nd Sunday of the Month at St John’s and the 4th Sunday of the month at St. Ann’s. Prep classes are Wednesday before Baptism at St. John’s.

Please call the Rectory Office for registration.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturdays: 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Other times as scheduled in the bulletin or

call the Rectory Office to set up an appointment.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

Contact the Rectory 6 months prior to the intended date of marriage.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

If you are in need of the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact the

Rectory to make an appointment for a visit from a Priest.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT St John’s - every WEDNESDAY from 7-8 p.m.

in the Church. St. Ann’s - First Friday of the month following the 9:00 a.m. Mass

concluding with Benediction at 10:30 a.m.

Registration: Families not registered, please call the Parish Office

PASTORAL STAFF Pastor: Parochial Vicar Rev. Paul L. Ring Rev. Michael K. Harvey fr_plrstjohn@comcast.net

Permanent Deacons: Brendan Fitzgerald (Sr. Deacon) Christopher Connelly Joe Hopgood deaconbrendan@comcast.net cconnelly@rcab.org deaconjoeh@comcast.net

EUCHARISTIC LITURGIES

St John’s Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Teen Mass – 6 p.m., See Schedule Daily Mass, Wednesday– Friday

9:00 a.m. In the Chapel

Divine Mercy every Thursday After Mass.

St Ann’s

Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Teen Mass – 6 p.m., See Schedule Daily Mass, Mon, Tues, Fri.

9:00 a.m.

TOGETHER IN CHRIST COLLABORATIVE

PASTORAL PLANNING TEAM

Deacon Joe Hopgood Ben Williams Paul Hoffman Nancy Maloney Denise Robichaud Margaret Mary Williams

SAINT ANN’S

STAFF

Business Manager: Donna Roderiques donna.stannstjohn@gmail.com

Administrative Assistant: Arlene Stefano stanns@comcast.net

Director of Religious Education Charlotte Leines

stannsccd@comcast.net 508-588-7140

Director of Music: Matthew Cunningham matthewcunningham@bpsma.org

SAINT JOHN’S STAFF

Business Manager: Donna Roderiques donna.stannstjohn@gmail.com

Administrative Assistant: Deborah Conrad

stjohnebridge@comcast.net Director of Religious Education

Lorraine Hopgood repstjohn@gmail.com

508-378-1521 Director of Music: Paul Hoffman

p.hoffman@stjohneb.org Music Minister: Erica Wasil

The Together in Christ Collaborative Office Hours are 9AM - 4PM Monday -Thursday

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MASSES FOR THE WEEK A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR

***********************************************

St. John and St. Ann are Stewardship Parishes ***************************************************** MASSES OF INTENTION WILL BE RESCHEDULED

ONCE THE CHURCHES ARE OPENED FOR

GROUP GATHERINGS.

My Dear Friends in Christ, Today’s gospel reminds me of the scripture studies of the New Testament while in the seminary. In reading today’s gospel, I am reminded that we used to say that a passage like this was not the “warm and fuzzy Jesus” to which most of us are used, and of whom most of us think when we think of Jesus. This is a challenging gospel, one which makes us set (or, perhaps, re-set) our priorities. Jesus calls us to establish our relationships in “proper” rank in order to put God first in our lives. In today’s gospel, we are told that “whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:37). As if this were not challenging enough, Jesus takes it further by telling us “whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38). This first passage isn’t telling us to abandon our familial relationships; it is simply, yet powerfully, calling us to put Jesus first – before mother or father, son or daughter. It is the relationship we have with Jesus that guides all other relationships. In the second passage noted, one is to take up one’s cross and follow Jesus. If you’re like me, you don’t have to look too far or too hard to find the crosses in your life. Once we find them, what do we do with them? Do we leave them for someone else to carry? That would be unfortunate and unfair, especially to the one “stuck” carrying the cross. Do we carry them, but complain all the while? That would be unfortunate and unfair as well, especially to the ones forced to listen to these complaints. We are called to carry our crosses, uniting our sufferings to that of Christ, who first showed us how to carry one’s cross with dignity and love. St. Paul speaks of this union with Christ in a powerful way in our second reading. In the reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Paul reminds us that “we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death” (Rom 6:3). This statement calls to mind TWO baptisms: the first is what we traditionally think of when we hear of baptism, that is the Sacrament of Baptism. The second “baptism” (the one “into his death” (ibid) is our entrance into Eternal Life when our earthly life ends. It is in these two baptisms that we have “newness of life” (Rom 6:4). When we are brought to the baptismal font (whether as infants, children, or adults) we experience a “death” of sorts, namely a “dying to self” so that Christ might live in us. When our earthly life ends, we die (physically) but are “reborn” into that “new life” which awaits us in the Kingdom. May we have the courage to “take up our cross” daily, so that we can journey with the Lord. May we have the courage to put our own needs second, to “die to self” so that Christ might live in us. May this new life, won for us by the sacrifice of Christ, be one in which we share everything with Christ, so that He may share His very life with us. Have a Blessed Week, Fr. Paul

WEEKLY READINGS AND OBSERVANCES - ENGAGE PA-RISHIONERS IN DAILY MASS AND PRAYER Readings for the week of June 28, 2020 Sunday: 2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a/Ps 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19 [2a]/Rom 6:3-4, 8-11/Mt 10:37-42 Monday: Acts 12:1-11/Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [5b]/2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18/Mt 16:13-19 Tuesday: Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12/Ps 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8 [9a]/Mt 8:23-27 Wednesday: Am 5:14-15, 21-24/Ps 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 16bc-17 [23b]/Mt 8:28-34

Thursday: Am 7:10-17/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 [10cd]/Mt 9:1-8 Friday: Eph 2:19-22/Ps 117:1bc, 2 [Mk 16:15]/Jn 20:24-29 Saturday: Am 9:11-15/Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 [cf. 9b]/Mt 9:14-17 Next Sunday: Zec 9:9-10/Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 [cf. 1]/Rom 8:9, 11-13/Mt 11:25-30 Observances for the week of June 28, 2020 Sunday: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday: Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles Tuesday: The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church Wednesday: St. Junípero Serra, Priest Thursday: Friday: St. Thomas, Apostle Saturday: Independence Day Next Sunday: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Independence Day ©LPi

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COLLABORATIVE NEWS AT SAINT ANN’S AND SAINT. JOHN’S

My Dear Friends in Christ, The Chinese have a maxim which states, “May you live in interesting times”. This saying has been seen to some as a blessing, to others a curse. We have certainly been living, and continue to live, in “interesting times”. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a new reality which has altered how we work, play, socialize, and even worship. For 10 weeks we were unable to gather as a Eucharistic Community, a Body of Christ. This is why I began, and am continuing, an “online” presence. I wanted to give some sense of “normalcy” to what has been anything BUT “normal”. I also wanted to give us, as a family of faith, some “touchstones” which allow us to gather (albeit virtually) as a community. These events, brought to your attention by way of social media and electronic means (i.e., Sunday and Daily Mass, Adoration/Rosary, Teaching Mass, Novenas, Story Time, Palm Sunday Parade, Mother’s Day Blessing) have been done to give us hope that we may weather the storm of the pandemic and come out stronger for having faced and overcome it. But as we continue to have the online offerings mentioned above, we are coming back to the beginnings of public worship (i.e., Sunday/Daily Mass, Funerals, Weddings, Baptisms) in a systematic way by looking at the resources we have at our disposal and using them in the best way to achieve the best result. We chose to open one worship site after hearing of best practices from Archdiocesan officials. We chose a limited Mass schedule so as to maximize our volunteer base and physical resources. We have moved forward in a gradual way (moving from two Sunday Masses, to (now) three Masses, (and soon) to four Masses), because it was felt that to do so was prudent, thoughtful, charitable, and beneficial to all – especially our most vulnerable popula-tion, the “at-risk” community. As we move forward towards what we hope and pray is a full opening, we continue to take that “cautiously optimistic” approach, keeping our eye on the indicators that will guide this reopening. I am happy to announce that, barring a setback of any kind, we will be reopening St. Ann’s for public worship on the weekend of July 4th/5th. This will be in conjunction with St. John’s and will employ a shared Mass schedule. The Masses, beginning on July 4th/5th will be as follows: Saturday 4:00 p.m. (St. Ann’s) Saturday 5:30 p.m. (St. John’s) Sunday 8:30 a.m. (St. Ann’s) Sunday 10:30 a.m. (St. John’s) St. Padre Pio was quoted as saying that “it would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass”. We have survived the darkness of this “spiritual eclipse” and are coming back into the light – the Light of Christ in the Sacraments. Like coming out of an eclipse, we must move surely but cautiously. We are thrilled to be offering public Mass once again, but we do so with the wariness that a misstep will cause us to go back into (old) restrictions. We must see this as a sunrise, a gradual emergence of the Light, not as a supernova bursting on the scene only to disappear as quickly. We are grateful for the guidance of those whose (God-given) wisdom has brought us to this point, and we will continue to move forward optimistically but cautiously, taking a prudent, measured, and phased approach. As we continue forward towards a new reality, marked by both challenge and perseverance, please know of my prayers for you and all you hold dear. May we continue to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rely on the intercession of the Saints, engage ourselves in the reception of the Sacraments as they are made available (such as Reconciliation and Eucharist (coming to immediate mind is the Rite of Christian Burial (Funerals), something which has painful to be without and is being worked on to restore so as to give peace of mind to families who have gone without, but deserve, closure), and trust in the promise of Christ that “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). May this trust be rewarded with a return soon to full reception of the Sacraments. May we continue to seek out creative, but safe, ways to engage our minds and hearts (such as Outdoor Adoration, Reconciliation, and Mass). May these outlets bring peace of mind to all who are still seeking that sense of the “normal”…even as we navigate into the future through the seas of colossal change Peace, Fr. Paul

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NEWS FOR THE PARISHES (St. John)

Please keep the following in your prayers: Karen Debenedictis, Bill Estes, Tyler Martin, Amanda Little, Patricia Estes, Vince Adornato, Kenneth Upham, JoAnn Micalizzi, Kay Levoshko, Jim Cassidy, Tori Bortolotto, Phil Garbardi, Marcus LaBree, Charlie Micalizzi, Vickie Vasvatekis, Robert Hanson, John Moriarty, Annette Moriarty, Felicia Hernandez, Linda, Frank Conroy, Robert Sullivan, Karen Daly, Ann Smith, Joan MacIsaac, Diane Nicolar, Paul Martin, Jim Koury, William Neyman, Janet Wooters, Rene Barnett, David Warren, Bill Frabetti, George Lepine, , Joseph Rizzitano, Richard Harvey, Sandra Garbardi, Nick, Jennifer Washkevich, Paul Currie, Dennis Green, John McCovy Murphy, Dana Debenedictis, Harry Evans, Jerry Paluch, Frank Genatossio, Kathleen Jezard Maher, Dr. Irfan Francis & The residents of Sachem & Westview & all our service men and women serving in the military.

Call the Saint Vincent DePaul HOTLINE at 508-378-3760 if you need food or other assistance. The Food Pantry is open twice a month. — 1st Monday from 3:00-6:00 pm and the 3rd Monday from 3:00-4:30 pm. The Pantry is working to make food available for all in need while at the same time keeping within the guidelines of the pandemic. Please contact the Pantry if you need help. The only requirement to access the Pantry is to be an East Bridgewater Resident. All religions are welcome. The Food Pantry is currently accepting donation at the bottom of the ramp. Please make sure you call to let them know you have dropped off food and that it is properly protected from the elements. Cash donations are always welcomed and can be mailed to the address above. Gift cards are also a great help. $5—$25 cards are easier to distribute than large sums,

ie $100

Anyone sitting at home bored who would like to help; call the hotline. The Food Pantry could use all the help

it can get. Please make sure you have a mask and gloves. They will put you to work and keep you as safe

as they can. The next Food Pantry will be Monday, July 6TH

For those who would like to join the On-line Giving Program for the convenience of their Offertory: • Go to www.stjohneb.org • Click on tab across the top “Giving”

• Go to “Click Here to Give Online” We recommend setting up an account by selecting “Sign In” at the top. This way we can track donations for your tax purposes. If you prefer a one-time donation without signing in, select “Give Now.”

WHILE OUR SUNDAY MASS HAS GONE ‘LIVE’, THE DISPENSATION FROM COMMUNION IS STILL IN EFFECT. SUNDAY/DAIY MASS IS STILL ON LINE AND CAN BE VIEWED ON: CATHOLIC TV - CHANNEL 268 IS BROADCAST-ING DAILY AND SUNDAY MASS EWTN — CHANNEL 238 is also broadcasting masses. Fr. Paul is conducting Daily Masses and a Holy Hour/Rosary on Facebook Live. FR. PAUL’S FACEBOOK PAGE — Paul Ring ST JOHN’S FACEBOOK PG —St. John the Evange-list—EB ST ANN'S FACEBOOK PAGE - St. Ann - WB Cardinal Sean encourages Catholics to participate in the daily and Sunday Masses broadcast from the Catholic TV chapel. Channel 268 (Comcast) Daily mass aires live at 9:30 and is rebroadcast at 7 pm and 11:30 pm. Sunday Masses air throughout the day at 10 am, 4 pm, 7 pm and 11:30 pm. Viewers can watch these Masses on demand at anytime at www.WatchtheMass.com Visit http://www,catholictv.org/

The Society of Saint Vincent DePaul Saint John’s Conference

PO Box 544 East Bridgewater MA 02333

Worldwide Marriage Encounter "Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord." The Lord’s goodness dwells in our marriage. Open up the secret of His goodness by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Weekends are Sep 12-13, 2020 in Med-way, MA and Oct 16-18, 2020 in TBD, NH. For more infor-mation, call Stephen & Michelle O'Leary at 800-710-9963 or visit them at https://wwmema.org/.

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NEWS FROM THE PARISHES (ST. ANN’S)

St Ann Prayer Line: To request prayers from members of Saint Ann’s Prayer Line for yourself, another person in need, or a special intention, please call or email Linda Santry at 508-586-6535 or linda@santry.org. If you would like to join the telephone tree or e-mail distribution list, please contact Linda. We would like to expand our

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL

PLEASE CONTACT CHRIS BAKER @ 774-240-8095

or jchbaker@msn.com New mailing address: P O Box 474 West Bridgewater MA 02379

What is really valuable to me?

Times of stress can also be positive, as they encourage us to review—and perhaps re-align—our priorities. Many people have felt that the coronavirus pandemic forced them to examine and change many things about their lives, or it affirmed that they really do know what is important.

Jesus calls us to examine our priorities and gives us familiar symbols of wealth by way of comparison. The Kingdom of God is such a true treasure, that those who own riches galore are willing to give them all up for that one treasure.

In this retreat so far we have looked at Martha's moments of anxiety. Once we identified our own sources of anxiety and ad-versity, we moved to Jesus taking the blind man away from the crowds to effect his healing; and we, too, took some time to regroup. Today we can use that regrouping to align, or re-align, ourselves with what really matters, with what is truly valua-ble. Take a few moments to become aware of God’s presence. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, remembering that in this very moment you are under the gaze of God, who knows and loves you totally.

Bring to mind the "thing" that may be keeping you from God. It could be something that you’re worried or unsure about. It could be a problem, a task, or responsibility. It could be anything.

Readings from the Word of God: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field" (Matthew 13:44, NRSV).

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:46, NRSV). Ask yourself: How is God showing me the true treasure in his Kingdom? How can I align my life with that treasure?

Notice what arises within you. It could be a feeling, an image, a word, a memory, anything.

Slow down and wait for this feeling, image, or word to become clearer for you. Become fully aware of it and sit with it for a few moments.

Then, in the sanctuary of your baptized soul (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit) speak to that Divine Spirit, saying: O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me Your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and to accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. (Cardinal Mercier’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit)

After a few moments of stillness, return to the values you have been questioning situation and see how they may have shifted, even subtly.

Again, slow down and wait for an image, word, or feeling to come into awareness that perfectly expresses what is at the core of your present experience.

Place your feelings and thoughts in a package... and hand it to Jesus.

Prayer Lord, Jesus, sometimes I put much value on things of this earth and put the spiritual life in second place. I turn to you with awe and with a heart full of reverence. You are the Treasure whom I seek, the precious Pearl. Help me to be a good steward conserving what you have given me with care and responsibility. Let me understand and admit that there are attachments that hold me back from giving myself completely to you. Help me to remember that you are the priceless Treasure, you are the Precious Pearl. I am your steward. I treasure the Gift of your presence in my soul. Amen. End your time of prayer with an Our Father, entrusting all your needs and feelings to God.

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90-Days Now – For Your Parish is an online supplemental offertory giving program started by the laity to help support parishes during the pandemic. • Phase 1 raised $450,000 for 236 parishes.

• Phase 2 offers a match gift from a generous anonymous benefactor when the overall campaign reaches $700,000 Should you choose to join in this effort, or give again to help reach the match, the Archdiocese has created an easy-to-use link to donate at

www.BostonCatholic.org/donate. ALL FUNDS GO DIRECTLY TO OUR PARISH. Thank you for your continued support. God bless!

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